What is the better cover

[rary]

I have made a large propagator and was going to use a sun tunnel as a cover, but doing so causes a problem with space, so have decided to make a tent cover instead, I can use either polethen or micromesh, I have both so was wondering if anyone could recommend one over the other, so thanks for any advice

[Nicos]

Would you get less condensation with the mesh?

[rary]

That's what I was thinking Nicos, I have the propagator covered with polythene at present and there is a lot of condensation present, which of course as you know, can cause quite a problem with seedlings, but I am not sure if the condensate would pass through the mesh or build up, I think your response directs me towards trialing the mesh, so thanks for your input

[Nicos]

I would imagine the breeze/ wind would help dry it out?

I use fleece a lot , in fact every year over my carrots, and that is fine.
It can get a bit green in the autumn but a quick hand wash and a quick dry on the washing line sorts that out.

[Nicos]

Are you planning on stapling it on?

[rary]

It will be in the greenhouse at the opposite end from the door, so no breeze or wind, I will be stapling either side on to a brush shaft so that the sides can be rolled up, the ends will be on a fixed frame but movable, if you understand what I mean (I know what I mean,,,, I think) I also have some heavy grade fleece which I could use, but think that would be better used outside in the garden, anyway I have quite a lot of micromesh and I can always try what you called hand wash, I will ask OH what that means once I get the hoovering done and get back from the town I will set up a micromesh tent

[Snoop Puss]

Would you be able to post a picture or two, Rary? Sounds like a grand idea.

[rary]

Snoop every time I try to load a photo it fails, I get a message saying it too big or something like thaf
I have now made my tent/cover for my propagator, made it with the minimum of labour just 4 uprights at the corner and 2 cross pieces from one side to the other, when I set it up it was collapsing in, in the middle so I connected a stretch of wire from one side to the other then run another length of wire from one end to the other which now means I can lift the front side to give me clear access into the propagator, I also decided to put a poly sheet over the top till I find out if the condensate goes through the mesh don't want the sand drying out

[rary]

Snoop here's a lookat what I have at the moment, rem it's still work in progress maybe if I get a dry day I might get more work done on it

[Snoop Puss]

Looks grand, Rary. Now I understand the broom handles and the fixed frame idea. Brilliant. Mr Snoop has got too much on his plate this year, but next year I'll remember this. Thanks.

[rary]

I have now covered the top with clear polythene, the bit that was on it in photo, was a scrap piece from making the box, but I think I need to keep a top cover as there was a fair bit of condensation present, I do like the fact that I can see into the box without having to move anything, though while writing this I have just realised that I need to hang a thermometer inside to find out how cold the air gets, so that's something I will get out and do shortly

[Bren In Pots]

That does look handy Rary.

[rary]

I had a thermometer hanging in the propagator overnight and the lowest temperature was 16.8 while the greenhouse temperature was 9.4, the propagator bed was at 19.8, so happy with that, now going to get some seeds sown

[rary]

Have now decided to place a poly cover over the propagator, the temperature this morning was down to 14.5c and the greenhouse was at 2c, so think the more open sides are allowing the temperature to drop too much, possibly fleece would be a better option than the micromesh, I might try that some time next week

[Snoop Puss]

That's a good result, though, Rary. You must be pleased.